so carries special significance for India, taking place during the centennial year of the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) — celebrating a century of organised cue sports in the country.
From India’s deep cue-sports heritage to the emergence of Heyball as a rapidly growing international discipline, the championship represents a meeting of tradition and a new era.
A CENTURY OF CUE SPORTS MEETS A NEW GLOBAL ERA
India has a long and distinguished history in cue sports, and the BSFI’s centennial year provides a fitting backdrop for the country to welcome the world’s leading Heyball players.
The WPA Heyball World Championships bring together athletes from across the globe while placing India at the centre of the sport’s next chapter.
The championship is not only a celebration of the present, but also a look towards the future of cue sports in India and around the world.
A WELCOME IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF INDIA
The opening ceremony celebrated not only sport, but also the culture and traditions of Maharashtra.
As the international players arrived for the championship, the venue came alive with the powerful sound of Dhol Tasha — the traditional percussion art deeply associated with the festive celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi across Maharashtra, particularly in Pune and Mumbai.
Traditionally performed by Dhol Tasha Pathaks during the Aagman and Visarjan processions of Lord Ganesha, the performance took on a special meaning at the championship.
The powerful rhythm became a symbolic Aagman for the World Heyball Championship itself, welcoming players from 40 nations to India and marking their arrival on the global stage.
The performance brought together Maharashtra’s cultural heritage and the international spirit of the championship, creating a memorable and distinctly Indian welcome for the world’s Heyball community.
CELEBRATING INCLUSION THROUGH CUE SPORTS
A special inaugural doubles exhibition match added another memorable moment to the opening ceremony.
Reigning champions and world-class cue-sports stars Kelly Fisher and Gareth Potts joined forces for an exhibition against Aalok Jain, an international para cue-sports player, and Sayan Shetty, an international para sports athlete.
The exhibition demonstrated the inclusive nature of cue sports, bringing athletes from different backgrounds and abilities together on the same table and highlighting the sport’s ability to create opportunities for participation at every level.
The match provided a powerful message as the championship opened: cue sports are not defined by boundaries, but by the shared passion for competition, precision and the game.
PRESS CONFERENCE BRINGS GLOBAL AND INDIAN LEADERS TOGETHER
The opening programme was followed by a press conference featuring leading representatives from the international and Indian cue-sports communities.
The press conference was addressed by:
- Mr. Ishaun Singh – President, World Pool Billiards Association
- Mr. S. Balasubramaniam – President, Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI)
- Mr. Shivam Arora – Founder & CEO, Apex Sports
- Mr. Rajan Khinvansara – Former President, Billiards & Snooker Federation of India (BSFI)
- Mr. Sunil Bajaj – Secretary General, Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI)
- Mr. Gareth Potts – Four-time World Pool Champion and World No. 1 ranked pool player
- Ms. Kelly Fisher – World Champion across all three disciplines
The discussions focused on the continued international development of Heyball, the importance of hosting major global championships in new markets, and the opportunities presented by India’s rapidly developing cue-sports community.
The presence of leading international champions alongside India’s cue-sports leadership underlined the global significance of the championship and its role in connecting India’s long-standing cue-sports tradition with the future of the sport.
PLAYERS COME TOGETHER
Following the formal proceedings, players gathered for the official Players Meeting and Live Draw at the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre / Rajan Khinvansara National Billiards & Snooker Academy.
The meeting provided players with important tournament information ahead of competition, while the live draw established the opening pathways for the men’s and women’s World Championships.
With the draw complete, attention now turns to the tables.
AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION AT POONA CLUB
The opening day’s programme concluded with an Opening Dinner at Poona Club, bringing together players, officials, organisers, partners, media representatives and esteemed guests.
The evening provided an opportunity for the international field to connect away from the competition floor and celebrate the beginning of the championship in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.
For players arriving from 40 nations, the dinner offered a fitting conclusion to an opening day that brought together sport, culture and community.
NOW, THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BEGINS
The celebrations are over.
The draw is complete.
The players are ready.
Now comes the ultimate test.
The WPA Heyball World Championships move into competition with the world’s leading players beginning their pursuit of the sport’s biggest prize.
With 40 nations, 128 players, US$400,000 in total prize money and two World Championship titles, the stage is set for a week of world-class Heyball in India.
The opening ceremony has brought the world together.
Now the tables will decide who makes history.
FOLLOW THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Women’s World Championship — Fixtures, Scores & Live Updates
Follow the Women’s Championship
Men’s World Championship — Fixtures, Scores & Live Updates
Follow the Men’s Championship
For live coverage throughout the championship, follow WPALive.TV.
40 NATIONS. 128 PLAYERS. TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS.
The world has come to India.
The next chapter of Heyball begins in Pune
